How do Wrinkle Relaxers Work?

Often used for the reduction of lines and wrinkles caused by movement in your face, muscle relaxers are one of the most popular treatments for signs of aging.

Unlike over-the-counter creams and topicals, which often deliver only empty promises in expensive packaging, muscle relaxers provide results within two to four days.

To help you get a better understanding of this treatment, we asked Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, our expert at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center, to explain everything you need to know about wrinkle relaxers.

Wrinkle relaxers: mechanism of action

The active ingredient in wrinkle relaxers, a purified version of Botulinum toxin, interferes with the ability of nerves to send muscle-moving signals. This relaxes the targeted muscles. When the skin no longer creases as much with each movement, facial lines become smoother.

As you age, the level of collagen in your skin declines, and so does your skin’s ability to bounce back to its initial position. By reducing the number of contractions, you can minimize the stress on your skin and prevent it from stretching as often. This keeps your skin smooth even with less collagen.

Safety of wrinkle relaxers

Botox, the most popular wrinkle and muscle relaxer, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of wrinkles in 1989, and it has since been used on millions of faces.

Most side effects of muscle relaxers are minor and go away within a few days following the treatment. These side effects include redness and swelling at the injection site.

Bruising is also common, but you may be able to avoid it if you stop taking any supplements or medications that thin the blood at least a few days before the treatment.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for Botox. If you have muscle weakness in your face or an active skin infection, our expert may recommend another anti-aging treatment.

What types of wrinkles and fine lines do muscle relaxants treat?

Muscle relaxers treat all wrinkles caused by movement. These include forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and lines around the lips.

Not all wrinkles are caused by movement. Some are caused by loss of volume in your face. For those, Dr. Chavez may recommend dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers can also restore lost volume underneath the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Muscle relaxers and dermal filler treatments are often combined to deliver the best results.